The effects of hypermedia annotations on incidental vocabulary learning and reading comprehension

Recent research on the effectiveness of glossing lexical items in computer-based reading materials has examined the role of hypermedia annotations on incidental vocabulary learning and reading comprehension (AI-Seghayer, 2001; Chun & Plass, 1996; Gettys, Imhof & Kautz, 2001; Laufer & Hill, 2000; Lomicka, 1998). Of particular interest has been the effect of multiple-choice glosses with computer feedback, which may engage learners in inferential processes that affect the encoding and storage of lexical information in memory (Nagata, 1999). Researchers have argued that providing contextual support through pre-modified input (Yano, Long & Ross, 1994) and pictorial information in the form of an illustration (Chun & Plass, 1997; Kost, Foss, & Lenzini, 1999) may optimize conditions for inferring words that were requested through hypermedia annotations. The current study examined the effect of hypermedia annotations on incidental vocabulary acquisition by learners of Spanish as a foreign language. The textual support gloss condition provided a pre­ modified sentence context which gave a definition or described situations when the word is used. The pictorial support gloss condition provided an illustration coupled with the pre-modified sentence context. Both gloss conditions included a multiple choice format with computer feedback. The control condition did not provide any textual or pictorial support, but had the multiple-choice format with computer feedback. The learners read the passage on line, consulting the annotations as needed. Immediately following the reading task, they completed a vocabulary recognition test and a reading comprehension test. The results showed a significant effect for the pictorial support gloss coupled with the sentence context. No significant differences were found between the other gloss conditions. The implications of the study for materials development and L2 reading instruction are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Teaching English as a Second Language

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2002

Author dc:creator

• Torres, Roberto Andres Silva

Contributors dc:contributor

• McDonough, Kim

• Teaching English as Second Language
• Computer-based reading materials Hypermedia annotations
• Incidental vocabulary learning
• Multiple-choice glosses and feedback

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright owned by the author.

Language dc:language

eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125924

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/125924